Evidence library

This research was commissioned in August 2008, following the setting up of an Inquiry in Spring 2008 to examine Child Poverty in Scotland. The main purpose of the research was to fill a gap in the evidence base and to obtain the views of parents living in poverty and of the impact that poverty had upon their children. It covered 4 main areas: ? training and employment ? the barriers faced by those wanting to work or be trained ? the benefits system ? devolved services such as housing, health and education Evidence was collected in two ways:- ? Through 5 Focus Groups that were held across Scotland and ? By interviewing, mainly on a face-to-face basis, 30 adults living in rural areas who, along with their children, were living in poverty. In order to ensure that Focus Group attendees were parents and carers who were bringing up children in poverty it was decided to work with voluntary organisations to recruit suitable people. Once the areas had been selected, suitable voluntary organisations were approached, the purpose of the research outlined to them and their co-operation sought. The diversity of voluntary groups was reflected in the diverse nature of the attendees.